Tributes paid after worker, 32, killed

Friends and workmates of a man killed at his Keighley workplace have paid tribute to his friendly and caring nature.

Mark Roper died after being crushed in an accident last Wednesday at the Autocraft Accident Repair Centre.

The 32-year old, from Great Horton in Bradford, is understood to have been struck when a hire car reversed through closed doors.

The vehicle involved is believed to have been attempting a three-point turn in the yard outside the business, which is on the Knowle Spring Industrial Estate, South Street.

Mr Roper, a bodywork specialist, is said to have been working on a car in the workshop at the time of the incident.

He was taken to hospital by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance after suffering internal injuries. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

Two others were also treated by paramedics at the scene. One was described as “walking wounded” and the other as having suffered a leg injury. A fellow worker at Autocraft this week described Mark as a friend as well as a colleague.

He added: “Mark was a lovely man. It was a complete disaster.”

Mark was described by one friend on Facebook as “one of the most caring guys I have ever met.”

Another wrote: “A guy who you never had a bad word to say about. Top lad and a massive shame he’s gone.”

People in the area where Mark lived expressed shock and sadness.

One man in the King’s Arms, in Great Horton Road, said: “Mark was a nice chap.”

Mark and his family were said to be regulars in the White Horse, which is also on Great Horton Road.

A 68-year-old man arrested following the incident has been released on bail pending further inquiries, said a West Yorkshire Police spokesman.

Bradford coroner Peter Straker has been informed and an inquest into Mark’s death will be held at a later date.